Treatment of Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Interface Epithelial Ingrowth with Neodymium:Yytrium–Aluminum–Garnet Laser

Purpose

To evaluate the results obtained with the treatment for interface epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with neodymium:yytrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser.

Design

Retrospective, interventional, noncomparative, consecutive case series.

Methods

Thirty eyes were treated with Nd:YAG laser for clinically significant epithelial ingrowth developed after LASIK. Each impact produced an explosion with evaporation of epithelial cells giving rise to bubbles. The mean intensity of the spots was 0.6 mJ, and they were variable in quantity depending on the size of the epithelial ingrowth area. The patients were followed up for two years.

Results

The opacities caused by the epithelial ingrowth disappeared in 80% of the cases with the Nd:YAG laser treatment. In 40% of the cases, two or more sessions of Nd:YAG laser treatment were necessary to eliminate the epithelial ingrowth areas entirely. In 60% of the cases, visual acuity improved by one or more lines of vision and the corneal topography was more regular. After the treatment, symptoms like glare and halos improved in all cases. The intensity of the laser was adjusted in each case and was focused perfectly on the epithelial ingrowth areas. There were no complications.

Conclusions

Nd:YAG laser, in our experience, is an easy and effective technique for the treatment of epithelial ingrowth after LASIK.